Jarrett Allen injury threatens to make Cavaliers’ disappointing start even worse

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen suffered a knee injury during Wednesday's 124-116 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Allen collided knees with Jared McCain in the first quarter, leaving the game after just seven minutes, and did not return. Although Allen reportedly downplayed the severity of the injury following the game, the full extent remains unknown pending further evaluation.

King James Gospel argues that losing Allen for an extended period could derail Cleveland's defense and early playoff positioning. The Cavaliers fell to 4-4 on the season, having surrendered 44 points in the paint and 42 points to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Writer Creshonda Smith notes that Cleveland is already managing injuries to Peyton Watson, Jaylon Tyson, and Nae'Qwan Tomlin.